Celebrating Dedication to Neuroscience: BNA Prize Winners 2024

13th Dec 2024

The BNA recognises, promotes and supports neuroscientific excellence via a number of award and prize schemes. Three of our six annual BNA Prizes were recently awarded, and announced during the annual Festive Symposium in Leeds on December 10th 2024. The awards celebrate exceptional dedication brought to the neuroscience field at various career stages and include recipients of the prestigious BNA Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Public Engagement Prizes presented by BNA President-Elect, Narender Ramnani. 

The awards ceremony was a highlight of the symposium, showcasing the stories of individuals who are commitment to advancing neuroscience. 

Alex Voce – Winner of the BNA Undergraduate Award 2024 

Alex Voce’s remarkable journey in neuroscience is one of perseverance and passion. Diagnosed with a learning disability later in life, Alex faced unique challenges but turned them into motivation to explore the complexities of the brain. At King’s College London, she excelled in Neuroscience and Psychology, earning two academic prizes: one for her outstanding thesis and another for overall excellence. Her thesis, exploring the intricate functional connectivity between the brainstem and cervical spinal cord, showcased technical mastery in advanced computational tools such as MATLAB, Python, and statistical modelling—skills rarely seen at the undergraduate level. 

Alex’s work not only excelled technically but also adhered to rigorous open science principles, including pre-registration of hypotheses and a thoughtful approach to multiple testing and false positive controls. Her findings on sensory, motor, and autonomic connections were presented with exceptional clarity, earning her one of the highest grades in her cohort. 

Now pursuing an MSc in Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, funded by the prestigious Dr. Jane Mellanby Graduate Scholarship, Alex is focused on computational neuroscience and the potential of AI to revolutionize mental health and cognitive research. She aims to leverage machine learning and computational models to unravel complex neural systems and translate these insights into clinical innovations. 

Alex’s trajectory is a testament to her resilience and commitment to advancing neuroscience. As she looks toward a PhD and a future in computational psychiatry, her journey inspires and highlights her as a deserving winner of the BNA Undergraduate Prize. 

I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Undergraduate Award—it feels wonderful to have my work recognised in this way. This prize is a testament to the support and mentorship I’ve received throughout my studies, as well as the passion I have for exploring the brain. It motivates me to continue pursuing research that can contribute to our understanding of neuroscience.’ - Alex Voce 

Lydia Hickman – Winner of BNA Postgraduate Award 2024 

Dr. Lydia Hickman is a rising star in neuroscience, whose groundbreaking research explores the complex intersections of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Her PhD thesis at the University of Birmingham made transformative contributions to our understanding of these conditions, focusing on similarities and distinctions in movement and cognition. Lydia's work revealed that while both groups share some movement traits, key differences can help refine diagnostic criteria, particularly in distinguishing autistic traits from parkinsonian symptoms. 

One of Lydia’s most innovative contributions lies in her exploration of dopamine’s role in movement. Through two pharmacological studies - one with individuals with PD and another involving dopamine receptor blockers—she demonstrated that dopamine influences not just movement speed but its adaptive modulation based on environmental context. Her findings challenge traditional views of dopamine's function, advancing both theoretical models and practical applications in motor disorder therapies. 

Beyond her academic achievements, Lydia exemplifies leadership in Public and Patient Involvement (PPI), collaborating closely with Parkinson's and autism communities to ensure her research aligns with real-world needs. She co-founded the U21 Autism Research Network, championing diversity and inclusion in autism research, and has been a strong advocate for Open Science, incorporating pre-registration and transparency into her work. 

With nine publications, multiple competitive grants, and a record of impactful presentations, Lydia’s academic excellence is matched only by her dedication to fostering inclusive and accessible research. Her exceptional contributions position her as a leader in her field, making her a deserving winner of the BNA Postgraduate Prize. 

‘I am thrilled to have been awarded the 2024 BNA Postgraduate Prize. Having presented my PhD plans at BNA 2021 during the pandemic, it is an honour to now be recognised for this work by the BNA committee. My thesis, 'Movement and Cognition in Autism and Parkinson’s Disease: Similarities, Points of Distinction, and Underlying Biological Mechanisms', was completed at the Centre for Human Brain Health (University of Birmingham). I am incredibly grateful to my supervisors, Prof. Jennifer Cook and Prof. Joseph Galea, for their unwavering guidance and encouragement throughout the PhD.’ - Lydia Hickman 

Phoebe Reynolds – Winner of BNA Public Engagement Award 2024 

Phoebe is an exceptional candidate for this award due to her extraordinary dedication to public engagement in neuroscience. As a first-generation scientist and woman in STEM, Phoebe has consistently worked to make science more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for diverse audiences. Her leadership of The Brave Little Neuron, an educational pantomime that translates complex neurodevelopmental research into a fun and interactive format, has been a standout achievement, reaching hundreds of individuals and elevating neuroscience into the public discourse. 

Beyond her work with BLN, Phoebe has made a significant impact as a trustee for In2scienceUK, where she has shaped initiatives that offer underrepresented students hands-on experiences in STEM, and has also contributed to the development of the In2research program to help students from diverse backgrounds pursue postgraduate research. Her commitment to inclusivity is further reflected in her involvement in science communication events like Science Show Off, where she uses humour and creativity to make neuroscience more approachable. 

Phoebe's influence extends beyond her own work as she actively fosters a culture of public outreach within her department, inspiring fellow researchers, and students to engage with the public and ensuring the longevity of these initiatives. She has trained and encouraged new PhD students to continue these efforts, creating spaces where research can be shaped by public engagement and dialogue. 

Phoebe’s advocacy for equality, diversity, and inclusion is central to all her endeavours. From the diverse team she has built for BLN to her efforts with In2scienceUK, she has made science a welcoming space for people from all backgrounds. Through her innovative methods, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making science accessible, Phoebe has had a profound impact on both the public and her peers, making her a truly deserving winner of this award. 

‘I am thrilled to receive the BNA Public Engagement Award 2024. The prize highlights the importance of connecting neuroscience with society, and the recognition celebrates not just my efforts but the incredible teams and communities I’ve had the privilege to work with. I hope I can inspire others in neuroscience to see public engagement as a vital part of their work, ensuring that science is open and inclusive to all.’ - Phoebe Reynolds 

The BNA Executive Team extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the Festive Symposium and joined us in celebrating the 2024 BNA Prize Winners. 

Congratulations to the winners and nominees of these prestigious awards.